Were you prepared to fight with Alexey Voevoda, an older and more experienced fighter?

In 2004 I was in the Europeans for the first time in the below 110 category. I weighed 108 kg then, and I was 18. I won the Ukrainians, it was easy, so I was very self – confident. When I came to the Europeans, I was told that Voevoda was fighting in my category. He was the strongest back then in the world of armwrestling.

Voevoda made you fight in an uncomfortable position, putting pressure on your wrist. Was there anything you could change, to influence the score somehow?

Mentally I was ready to fight anyone, anytime, I had great basics, but a weak wrist technique. I lost in left with Alex because of wrist, but I held him off and I won by fouls. Knowing that in right hand Alex is much stronger, after consulting my coach (Andrey's dad – Anatol, former fighter and coach), I have decided to go easy in the first match, and then, if possible, give it my best in the finals. In the finals I decided to fight Alex with all I had. After “Ready! Go!”, I held his attack, but then I forgot all the tactics I had prepared! The adrenaline kicked in. Alexey fought over the top, I couldn't hold my wrist, but I had control of the angle and I kept my defence.Then he went for deep hook, and I heard an ugly sound in my elbow and felt pain. I had a bad injury, couldn't fight anymore. The pain in my elbow went away after a whole year. Alex was way stronger and more technical than me back then.

What do you think about Alex's current position, if he returns to armwrestling?

He is a fenomenon, strong and talented. If he returns, he will fight for the top position. And he may win.

Ilya Izman